With school, sports, grades, and every other busy thing high schoolers have going on- working out at the gym is often not at the top of the priority list. Although it sounds like a pain to have to get out of a comfortable bed and drag yourself to the gym, working out has many benefits.

Working out reduces stress. If you have had a rough day, it can ease a lot of the tension. Exercise has been proven to be one of the most stress-relieving things you could do. But if statistics aren’t enough to convince you, try thinking about it practically. While sweating on a treadmill, you’re probably not thinking about the grade you got on your chemistry test, or what outfit you’re going to wear tomorrow. Working out takes your mind off of whatever you’re thinking about.

“I work out at Gold’s Gym in Bothell not just to get fit, but to reduce stress and get myself in a better mood. A lot of people think that the only reason you should workout is to get big or to lose weight. Although one of my motivations is to stay in shape, another huge benefit for me is that it reduces my stress and takes my mind off of the tasks of my every-day life. It also leaves me in a better mood because of all the endorphins that are released,” Josh Dusin said.

Senior Lilly Christianson explained how going to the gym keeps her on track.

“After finishing a long day at school, it’s easy for me to want to go home, sit on my couch, and watch TV. Going to the gym helps me have a schedule during the day. If I go to the gym, I know I’m going to be more energized afterwards and have the motivation to do my homework,” Christianson said.